През последната седмица на май развитието на земеделските култури ще протича при температури под климатичните норми и стопански валежи

During the next seven-day period the agrometeorological conditions will continue to be determined by unstable weather. During the period, precipitation of agronomic significance is forecast, as well as an improvement of soil moisture reserves even in the deeper soil layers.

Precipitation during the first and second ten-day periods of May was unevenly distributed. In many places in Southern Bulgaria the May precipitation reached and exceeded the monthly norms (Blagoevgrad, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Elhovo, Chirpan, Karnobat, Burgas). In part of the southern regions the soil moisture reserves in the 50 and 100 cm layers reached levels up to and above 85% of field capacity (FC), optimal for the development of the winter cereal crops and the sown spring crops.

In contrast to the southern regions, in places in Northeastern Bulgaria (agrometeorological station Silistra), as a result of below-normal precipitation in April and in the first half of May, the level of soil moisture reserves for the winter cereal crops at the end of the second ten-day period is low – below 65% of FC.

During the last week of May a substantial improvement in soil moisture reserves is expected in the northeastern regions, which is of great importance for the winter cereal crops, which have high requirements for soil moisture.

During the period, the development of agricultural crops will proceed at temperatures below the climatic norms. By the end of May, grain formation and grain filling will take place in the winter cereal crops.

During this interphase period, damage to wheat is caused by the larvae of the sunn pest, which necessitates field inspection of the stands, and when pest density exceeds the economic injury threshold (2 larvae/m²), treatment should be carried out at the first opportunity.

In sunflower and maize, leaf formation will be taking place.

At the end of May, flowering of the inflorescences will predominate in the vine, a critical stage for infection with downy mildew and powdery mildew.

During the last week of May, the increased moisture content in the upper soil layers will restrict the implementation of seasonal tillage operations. Hail is expected during the period. For fruit trees, vegetable crops and vineyards affected by hail, it is advisable to carry out treatments with copper-containing fungicides to reduce the risk of secondary infections by pathogens.

Source: NIMH